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the communities in Jo Daviess County

the Scoop Today

Stockton American Legion celebrates Christmas with vets

Stockton American Legion members were busy wishing veterans in nursing homes

Merry Christmas with

program called “Gifts to Yanks Who Gave.” Pictured is American Legion Commander Ed Marcure as he delivers Christmas cheer to legion member Mike Eccles.

Obituaries

Marjorie jo Ma Pes

Marjorie Jo Mapes, age 83, of Stockton, IL passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa, AZ. She was born in Madison, WI on Oct. 27, 1941, to the late Harry and Verda (Peterson) Nelson.

Marj married Ronald Mapes on Feb. 14, 1960.

Marj attended Highland Community College and went on to receive her degree in Social Work from Clark College. She served as a Probation Officer for Stephenson County for many years. She was involved with the Choices Board and served as President on the Domestic Violence Board.

Marj always had a smile on her face and didn’t know a stranger, thanks to her infectious personality. She loved meeting new people and hearing their stories. She had a passion for helping others and making others feel welcome. Marj enjoyed being outdoors and living on the farm. In the summertime, she

Dianne Lynn Frazier

Dianne Lynn Frazier, 73, of Stockton, Illinois, passed away Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. She was born Oct. 15, 1951, to Kenneth and Shirley Frazier in Stockton, Illinois. Dianne was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and member of the Stockton community.

Dianne grew up on the Frazier farm, riding in the pickup truck beside her younger sister, Cindy. She enjoyed farm life, fishing, and many family vacations, including whitewater rafting in Colorado and a trip to New York City to see the World’s Fair. Dianne was often spotted in town walking over to the Corner Tap to enjoy an ice-cold beer and a cheeseburger. She is now having her favorite meal

loved planting flowers and, in her younger years, trail riding with her horse, Smokey. She was a big supporter of her grandchildren, attending every basketball game, volleyball match, and cattle show to watch them show their livestock.

Her hobbies included painting and ceramics, but, most importantly, spending time with her family. The highlight of her year was attending Jazz Fest in New Orleans with her sisters to listen to jazz music and enjoy the art. She was a significant role model to her grandkids, teaching them to cook and playing with them when they were younger. Marj was an avid animal lover to her two cats Josie and Jack. She is survived by her husband, Ron Mapes of Stockton; her children, Lori

— her mom’s famous fried chicken and mashed potatoes — with Kenny, Shirley, and Cindy.

Dianne graduated from Stockton High in 1970 and was a member of Calvary Church of Stockton. Dianne worked at the Apple Canyon egg farm for over 30 years and most recently worked at The Workshop in Galena, Illinois.

The family would like to thank everyone in our Stockton village who cared for and looked out for Dianne over the years, especially her good friends at The Workshop. A special thanks also to Corky and everyone at the Anderson House.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, Ken-

(Tim) Zueger of Stockton and Brad (Kim) Mapes of Stockton; her grandchildren, Hilary (Jase), Krista (Dan), Josh, Cheyenne, Cameron and Cierra; her four great grandchildren, Cooper, Carson, Cohen and Kemper; her two sisters, Sandra Nelson and Julia (Tommy) Lewis; and her two sisters-in-law, Cynthia (Steve) Brown and Jackie Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ron Nelson and Bucky Neslon; and her sister, Krissy Mohrbacher.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A private burial will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the Stockton Ambulance. Condolences may be shared at www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

neth and Shirley Frazier, and her sister, Cindy (Frazier) Reschke. Dianne is survived by her sister, Lori (Frazier) Rivera of Kenosha, Wisconsin; three nephews: Jeffrey Domain with wife, Jamie, Steven Domain Sr., and Jake Rivera with wife, Jenny; and a niece, Molly Rivera with partner, Jon.

A service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, Illinois. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Workshop to support adults with disabilities in Jo Daviess County. Gifts can be made online at theworkshopgalena. org.

Betty MackeBen

Betty Ann Mackeben, age 94, and life-long resident of Stockton, IL passed away with family by her side at Winn Prairie Assisted Living Facility, Freeport, IL, on Dec. 29, 2024. She was born in the family farmhouse just outside of Woodbine, IL on April 29, 1930. The daughter of the late John and Anna Jones, Betty learned strength, devotion and love from being raised on the farm with four older brothers. Betty married her high school love, Clifford Mackeben, on Feb. 10, 1952. They were graduates of the Stockton High School Class of 1948.

Betty’s life was centered around love for family, and friendships. Her love for “Cliff” never wavered over 68 years of marriage. She missed him immensely after his passing in 2020. Together they raised four children,

Dona LD Lee Pau L Donald Lee Paul, age 63, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at home. He was born in Freeport on May 4, 1961, to the late Frank and Olive Paul. Don married Terri Kuntz on May 13. Terri passed away Aug. 30, 2011. Don married Sherri Groezinger on Jan. 9, 2015. Don worked at Atwoods/ Dura for 37 years then worked for Grede in Browntown. He was an avid Steelers fan and

New briefs

Blackhawk Unit of Home Extension

Blackhawk Unit of Home Extension will hold its January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Pearl City Library. The roll call will be “Your least favorite cleaning chore”. Judy Shippee will give the major

travelled the country visiting all 50 states, and built many friendships in Stockton. They established a second community of friends having spent winters in Myrtle Beach, SC for 25 years. For many years, she and Cliff were an active team in many euchre and bridge card clubs around town. It’s safe to speculate they were considered champions of the once very active bridge club of Stockton!

Following high school graduation Betty attended hair salon school in Rockford, IL earning her credentials in hair styling. From the early 1950’s until retiring in 1992 she maintained an in-home beauty salon, servicing many

loved music, especially Elvis. Don also enjoyed spending time with his friends. He is survived by his wife, Sherri Paul; children, Stephanie (Jason) Broshous and Dennis (Brynn) Groezinger; grandchildren, Dawson, Dylann, Danni, Will, Grace, and Pay-

lesson on “Making Your Own Cleaners”. Raffle items will be brought by Karen Pohl and Kim Planz. Anyone can come to our meetings to see what we are all about.

Lena-Winslow

Annual Spelling Bee

Stockton residents. Betty is survived by her children, Joan Lee Mackeben of Franklin, TN, David Mackeben of Sycamore, IL, Dan (Karen) Mackeben of Lodi, CA, Cathy (Butch) Magee of Stockton. Grandchildren, Mark Mackeben, Melanie (Chris) Stearns, Ben (Cora) Magee, Anna (Alex) Goulart, Dylan Mackeben, and great-grandchildren Audrey and Anthony Goulart, Grant and Colin Stearns, and Owen Magee, whose sister will be born in April 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers, Lester, Kenneth, Gerald (“Bud”), and Delmar. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date when a memorial fund will be established. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

ton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Terri.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. Interment will take place at a later date at Morseville Cemetery. The family would like to thank FHN Hospice for their care. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at www.hermannfuneralhome. com.

Jan. 31. The top two winners of this event will advance to the Regional Spelling Bee on Feb.11, 2025.

Salvation Army events

The Lena-Winslow Annual Spelling Bee will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. The Spelling Bee competition will take place at 9 a.m. in the Lena-Winslow Elementary cafeteria for students in grades four through eight with a snow date set for

The Salvation Army will host a Clothing and Coat Giveaway. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 28, Jan. 30, and Feb. 1. The Salvation Army is located at 106 W. Exchange, Freeport, IL (across from the courthouse). Please contact 815235-7639 with any questions.

In addition to the clothing drive, the Salvation Army will host Family Night. The night will include a dinner and movie on Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. and will feature Lady and the Tramp with spaghetti.

Around the Northern Hills

The Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Foundation’s scholarship program provides scholarship(s) to students who are majoring in agriculture, agribusiness, vocational or an agriculture related course of study. The are awarded on the basis of exceptional scholastic ability.

All applicants must meet these eligibility guidelines:

1. Must be a Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau member, spouse of member or member’s child.

2. Must be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled at an accredited college, university, community college or vocational/ technical school.

3. Must be majoring in agriculture or an ag-related study.

4. Must exhibit potential for successful completion of study.

General Scholarship applications must have successfully completed 12 college credits and be enrolled as a fulltime student (up to two $500 scholarships will be awarded). Highland Community College applicants do not have to have any college credits completed to apply for the scholarship (up to two $500 scholarships will be awarded).

A copy of the application can be found at www. jodaviesscfb.com. Click on the foundation tab to find the link to the application. https://www.iaafoundation. org/

IAA Foundation scholarships

The IAA Foundation just announced the lineup for the 2025 IAA Foundation Scholarships. This includes 120 scholarships totaling $210,251. We have had several winners from Jo Daviess County in the past, so I would encourage anyone interested to not miss this great opportunity. The link is on the IAA Foundation website.

By AnnETTE EggERS

Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau offers $250 towards ROPS purchase

The Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau would like to offer funds to reimburse farmers for purchasing Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS). Fiftyfive percent of farm tractors in Illinois do not have a cab or ROPS. Only 1 in 5 victims will survive a tractor rollover accident. The leading cause of farm related deaths in Illinois is tractor rollover accidents. They account for more than 30% of farm related deaths.

ROPS help protect farmers and family members from being crushed in the event of a tractor turnover or rollover. Safety Chairman, Dan Robbe, states that “Safety is a priority of the farm bureau, and we would like to encourage our members to install ROPS on their tractors”.

Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau members who purchase a ROPS could receive a reimbursement of $250 towards the purchase of a ROPS (we have two more available this year). To receive the $250, members would need to bring in their paid invoice to the Farm Bureau office in Elizabeth. Customers would be responsible for the cost, freight, and installation which are available through the dealer.

For more information about this program, or to become a member of our organization, contact the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau office at 815-8582235 or email jdcfbmgr@ gmail.com.

Farm Fun Fact

Illinois ranks #1 in the production of soybeans, pumpkins and horseradish.

Little Blackhawks

Pictured are Stockton Elementary’s first group of Little Blackhawks for 2025. These students were recognized for following the Blackhawk Way. Congratulations!

Applications available for Farm Bureau Scholarship

The Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Foundation is again awarding scholarships this year to students who are majoring in agriculture, agribusiness, vocational or an ag-related course of study. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of exceptional scholastic ability.

To be eligible you must be a Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau member, spouse of a member or member’s child. You must be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled at an accredited college, university, community college or voca-

tional/technical school.

For the general scholarship, applicants must have at least second year status, be enrolled as a full-time student and must exhibit potential for successful completion of course of study. The second scholarship is for those attending Highland Community College and majoring in an ag-related field.

For more information and/ or an application, go to www. jodaviesscfb.com/scholarships/. Application deadline is March 1.

Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau

Stockton/Warren speech team

The Stockton/Warren Speech team attended the United Township High School Panther invite at East Moline on Jan. 4. The team had outstanding results against tough competition in Monmouth, Normal University, and Bloomington to name a few. The team brought home a medal or ribbon in each event they competed in. Emma Rodriguez and Alina Ritch took sixth overall in HAD, and Rodriguez also brought home sixth overall in her HI performance. Alina Ritch had her best performance in Novice Radio Speaking placing fifth overall. Shea Witz was sixth overall in Impromptu Speaking and fourth in Next in Finals for her Original Oratory speech. Kyle Haas placed fourth in Next in Finals for Extemporaneous Speaking. The team is scheduled to compete Jan. 18 at the Rock Falls invitational.

Warren routes Black Hawk at this year’s Battle of the Stateline Tournament

By Trenten Scheidegger CORRESPONDENT

The Warren boys’ basketball team hosted the 2025 Battle of the Stateline Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 11. That day, eight different teams faced off in four entertaining weekend matchups. River Ridge took on Rockford Lutheran in the opener. Stockton played LaMoille after them. Pearl City faced off with Argyle on the afternoon game. Then, Pecatonica battled Platteville in a great matchup. Finally, Warren took on Black Hawk to end the day.

Warren closed things out with a bang. They put on a defensive clinic in the opening quarter, holding Black Hawk

to just four points. Warren’s offense took a bit to get things going. Still, three-pointers from Jordan Kohl and Bryce VanRaalte helped Warren take a 9-4 lead into the second.

The Warren offense is largely fueled by Treyton Pafford. With Pafford being held scoreless in the opening quarter, it’s no surprise it took some time to get the offense going. The second quarter was a different story.

Pafford put up eight points in the second quarter alone, including a pair of three-pointers. VanRaalte remained a consistent part of the offense, putting up another five points. That includes a successful and-one opportunity at the line for Van-

Raalte.

While Warren’s offense figured things out in the second quarter, the defense took a step back. Black Hawk blew up for 16 points in the quarter, helping to keep them in the game. At the halftime break, Warren held a slim 24-20 advantage.

That was as close as the Warriors were going to let Black Hawk get. They were all business in the second half as they came out looking to put things away. Pafford had a huge third quarter as he exploded for 10 points. Kohl and VanRaalte each hit their second three-pointers of the night as the Warriors combined for 18 points in the quarter.

Another strong defensive performance to open the second half helped to expand the lead. Warren held Black Hawk to just nine points in the third. Black Hawk scored just 13 combined points in the first and third quarters.

The Warriors wound up closing out the day with a 52-36 victory over Black Hawk. Pafford led all scorers with 22 points. VanRaalte was next up with 15. Kohl added eight in the victory.

With the win, Warren improved to 12-3 on the season. They will return home to play host to the Galena Pirates on Jan. 21. Galena is off to a 12-7 start themselves. That game is set to tipoff at 7 p.m.

Wildcats bounce back from loss to Pecatonica

By Trenten Scheidegger CORRESPONDENT

The River Ridge-Scales Mound (RR-SM) Wildcats have gotten off to a red-hot start to the 2024-2025 girls basketball season. On the morning of Jan. 8, they held an overall record of 14-2. Those two losses came against Byron and Orangeville, two teams that have a combined record of 33-4.

For the most part, the Wildcats have dominated the competition. A few times this year, they have had to face off with some of the best.

The Wildcats have struggled against tougher competition, and the same rang true when they took on the Pecatonica Indians on the night of Jan. 8.

Pecatonica is ranked amongst the top 10 1A teams in the state of Illinois. After beating RR-SM by a final score of 41-31, the Wildcats dropped to 15-3 on the year.

It’s either been a comfortable victory, or a tough loss to some of the best competition around for the Wildcats.

RR-SM got the opportunity to bounce back when they took on Potosi-Cassville out of Wisconsin just two days later. The Wildcats were looking to get back on track and they did so by fending off a scrappy Potosi-Cassville squad.

The Wildcats got off to a great start. The offense was rolling in the first quarter as they quickly put up seventeen points. They nearly doubled up P-C as they took a 17-9 advantage into the second quarter.

cats were up 32-20. Although the RR-SM offense was consistent, it was their defensive play that helped to establish a gap. Laiken Haas finished the game with six steals, as she was a menace on the defensive end. Sarah Winter added four steals as the Wildcats combined for 18 of them as a team.

Potosi-Cassville had a hard enough time keeping the ball long enough to make it to the basket. When they did get there, they were lucky if Haas didn’t block the shot. Haas finished the day with four blocks as she put on a defensive clinic. Winter wound up leading the team with six rebounds, four of which came on the offensive end. Kenley Patterson finished the day with five rebounds, while Kaci Patterson was right behind her with four. After the Wildcats took a big lead into the break, they perhaps got a little too comfortable.

Potosi-Cassville never went away, and they managed to chip their way back into the game. After outscoring RR-SM 12-10 in the third, Potosi-Cassville outscored the Wildcats 1610 in the fourth. That wasn’t enough to complete the comeback, as the Wildcats picked up a 52-48 victory. Haas led the team in scoring as she finished with 14 points. Berkeley Mensendike was next up with 12 points. Kaci Patterson was the third Wildcat to finish in double figures with 11.

FREELANCE REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED

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Helping you protect what matters most.

The RR-SM offense remained hot in the second. Another 15 points in the second quarter helped the Wildcats take a double figure lead. By the halftime break, the Wild-

After picking up their fifteenth win of the season, the Wildcats hit the road to take on East Dubuque. They return home on Jan. 16 to play host to the West Carroll Thunder. That game is set to tipoff at 7 p.m.

Let’s set a time to discuss your auto, home and life insurance needs.

Helping you protect what matters most.

Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation news

Let’s set a time to discuss your auto, home and life insurance needs.

Stacey Block

202 S Schuyler, Po Box 669 Lena, IL 61048-0669

Stacey Block

Joint land acquisition protects pristine woodland and sacred Native American mounds

202 S Schuyler, Po Box 669 Lena, IL 61048-0669

www.countryfinancial.com/stacey.block stacey.block@countryfinancial.com (815)369-4581

202 S Schuyler, Po Box 669 Lena, IL 61048-0669

www.countryfinancial.com/stacey.block stacey.block@countryfinancial.com (815)369-4581

Johannsen, JDCF Director of Land Conservation. “Partnering with an organization like TAC to co-buy and co-own property allows both groups to protect incredible places like this while minimizing expenses.”

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF) and The Archaeological Conservancy (TAC) are thrilled to announce the recent acquisition of a new 40-acre preserve in Carroll County, IL. The purchase of ‘Thomson Bluffs’ marks the first time that JDCF will co-own a property with another organization in perpetuity. “It’s gotten more and more difficult in recent years to secure funding for new land protection projects,” says Jim

Nestled high on a wooded bluff overlooking a floodplain, JDCF and TAC sought to acquire Thomson Bluffs to protect a series of Native American mounds constructed during the Middle to Late Woodland period (200 B.C.E. – 1000 C.E.). The twenty-three

STOCKTON HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing

Stephenson and Carroll County Farm Bureau news

By Victoria Hansen

One of my favorite things to do is plan a trip, whether it is just a quick day trip or a trip that requires an airplane. I love exploring the many possibilities of a new place such as restaurants, coffee shops, shopping or activities. I try hard to find unique places that are off the beaten path. My love for exploring makes this time of year extra special as we have finalized our 2025 trip list. I especially enjoy seeing our members come in and sign up for a much-anticipated trip.

2025 Trip Schedule:

Fair Oaks Bus Trip, June 20, 2025

Farm Progress Show, August 26, 2025

Warrens Cranberry Festival, September 26, 2025

Cubs Vs. Brewers Game to be determined

The following bus trips have pickup locations in both Carroll County and Stephenson County: Fair Oaks, Farm Progress Show, and Warrens Cranberry Festival. Interested individuals can reserve their spot with either Carroll County Farm Bureau or Stephenson County Farm Bureau. To view the flyers for these trips please visit your county website www. carrollcfb.org or www.stephensoncfb.org Payment is required at time of reserving your spot. If you have questions or would like flyers mailed to you, please contact your county Farm Bureau Carroll, 815-244-3001 or Stephenson, 815-2323186. These trips are open to the public but Farm Bureau members in good standing to receive discounted rates.

Illinois Farm Bureau launches Roots Lager in partnership with Destihl Brewery

In a toast to the hard-working family farmers who feed our communities and protect our environment, Illinois Farm Bureau is thrilled to announce Roots Lager, a collaboration with DESTIHL Brewery in Normal. Roots Lager celebrates Illinois farmers and the advantage IFB – originally known as the Illinois Agricultural Association – and its counties have provided members for more than 100 years. As a special touch, the new beer is brewed using grain from Knox County Farm Bureau member Les Potts’ farm. “We are always looking for fun, innovative ways to tell people about the value of an Illinois Farm Bureau membership,” said IFB President Brian Duncan.

“Illinois Farm Bureau gives its members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information and meaningful development to support their careers and Illinois farm families.”

DESTIHL Brewery is owned by IFB members and a proven partner on projects with statewide distribution.

DESTIHL Founder and CEO Matt Potts, who is Les Potts’ son, said using corn from his family’s farm in Williamsfield hits close to home.

“Using corn from our family farm in Roots Lager is a full circle moment for me,” Matt Potts said. “The beer turned out great, and while I may be a bit biased knowing that my dad’s corn is in it, the corn contributes an added, very pleasant flavor dimension to the beer. Our brewmaster

did an excellent job with this recipe to highlight Illinois corn.”

Roots Lager is a refreshing Munich Helles-Style Lager brewed with Illinois-grown corn and boasts a radiant golden hue, delicate malt sweetness and subtle hop presence that imparts a gentle floral aroma, balancing the brew with a smooth, crisp finish. The beer will be served at DESTIHL Brewery’s Beer Hall and DESTIHL Restaurant in Normal. It will also be made available for purchase at select retailers. For more information on where to purchase Roots Lager, visit: https://destihl. com/find-our-beers.

From Farm to Wick

Start the new year on a fun note by participating in a fun soy candle workshop. Both Stephenson and Carroll County Farm Bureaus will be hosting these fun twohour programs. Each program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 21, 2025: Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 West Spring Street Freeport, IL

Feb. 6, 2025: Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S Clay Street Mt. Carroll, IL

To learn more about pricing and registration details please call the county Farm Bureau that you plan to participate at. Carroll County Farm Bureau, 815-244-3001 and Stephenson County Farm Bureau 815-232-3186.

Mock Orange Unit of Stephenson County Association for Home and Community Education

In December, members of the Mock Orange Unit of Stephenson County Association for Home and Community Education met at the Orangeville United Methodist Church to assemble Christmas plates. This annual unit activity is part of their community outreach program. Members donate the fruit and snacks. The Snappy Snazzers 4-H Club also makes contributions to the plates. The plates were delivered to individuals residing in their homes, apartments, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

who have sent a donation to help underwrite the Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide. For those of you who haven’t done so in the past year, but enjoy this newspaper and would like to help us pay for its operation, please send a donation in any amount to:

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Orangeville girls bounce back from loss to Galena

By Trenten Scheidegger CORRESPONDENT

The Orangeville Broncos went on a business trip to Durand last week. They were fresh off a frustrating 49-42 loss to the Galena Pirates, which dropped their record to 15-3 on the year. It didn’t take long for the Broncos to get back on track when they took on the Bulldogs on Jan. 8.

Orangeville quickly jumped out to a sizeable advantage. By the end of the first quarter, the Broncos had put up 21 points.

Durand didn’t eclipse the 20-point mark until late in the fourth quarter. It was a night of pure domination on both ends of the floor for the Broncos.

Laney Cahoon, despite battling through some injuries, was efficient from deep. Cahoon sunk a trio of first quarter three-pointers. She wound up scoring 13 points in the opening quarter.

Nadalee Doyle was also

quick to get going. Nadalee hit an early three-pointer of her own and had a successful andone opportunity at the line. Nadalee scored six points in the first as the Broncos took a 21-3 lead into the second. Cahoon continued to let it fly in the second quarter. She wound up finishing the game with 26 points, including going four-for-four at the free throw line. Cahoon didn’t even play in the second half of the game, and she wound up leading all scorers.

Orangeville head coach, Jay Doyle, spoke about Cahoon’s success this season. Some had questioned whether Cahoon would continue her offensive success after the graduation of her cousin, Whitney Sullivan last year. Sullivan’s size down low worked well with Cahoon’s ball skills up top. The duo wreaked havoc on opposing defenses together.

While some people thought

Cahoon might take a step back, Jay has seen her take her game to another level to lead the Broncos to a 17-3 start. “Everybody grows and everybody gets better every year. One thing about Laney is, after we got done last season, she played spring ball, she played summer ball, and she played fall ball. Her and Nadalee [Doyle] play on the same Wildcat team out of Rockford. Right after basketball when we got done with regionals, we flipped the switch for this year. They knew where they had to get better, and they did that,” Jay explained.

Another piece of the puzzle is that Cahoon has found success with added space in the floor. While Sullivan drew a ton of attention down low, that also crowds the paint. Jay spoke about Cahoon’s growth as a scorer. “When Whitney was in the middle, now that you don’t have that in the middle to where everything kind of

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freed up a little,” Jay shared. The doubt has only fueled the fire for Cahoon. “You see a different style of player. I think that was always there, but I think everyone asking that question fuels it a little bit too,” Jay shared. “It would fuel any competitor and she is a competitor. Any competitor, when they don’t think you can be as good as what I feel as a coach, those are things that, you knock on the door and you open it, and you see what type of player she is. I’m proud of Laney. Every year she has grown as a player, a leader, and everything like that. She will knock it out of the park this year, but she

is going to knock it out of the park when it matters, and that is after high school, because of the way she attacks things and gets after things,” Jay added, complimenting Cahoon’s work ethic.

Jay was also happy to see his team bounce back into the win column. They wound up beating Durand by a final score of 64-24. Cahoon led all scorers with 26, while Kaylynn O’Haver finished the day with 12 points. Nadalee Doyle was second on the team in scoring as she finished with 15, including a pair of three-pointers.

“It was good to see some girls step up and hit some

shots. We just struggled on Monday [against Galena] to hit some shots in key moments. That happens in basketball, but I tell the girls, ‘It’s how you come back from the loss, it’s how you come back from some adversity.’ I think we got a resilient group, and it was nice to see them come back and get a good win,” Jay shared, after the win.

The Broncos face perhaps their toughest matchup of the regular season when they play host to the Pecatonica Indians on Jan. 16. Pecatonica is off to a 15-4 start to their season. That game is set to tipoff at 6:45 p.m.

Man sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearm

A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston on Tuesday sentenced Michael Mallett, 27, to 103 months in federal prison. Mallett pleaded guilty late last year to possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful possession of

a firearm. Mallet admitted in a plea agreement that on Aug. 19, 2020, he knowingly and intentionally possessed 7.39 grams of fentanyl and that he planned to sell it on the streets. Mallett also admitted that during the time he intended to distribute the fentanyl, he was in possession of a Glock Model 32, which had been converted into a machine gun by an after-mar-

ket device known as an “auto sear.”

The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson.

Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.

Hemp regulation bill stalls amid Democratic infighting

By Peter Hancock Capitol News illiNois

A bill that would have imposed regulations on new types of intoxicating substances derived from hemp stalled in the Illinois House last week, dealing a political setback to Gov. JB Pritzker after he strongly supported the legislation.

“I was tremendously disappointed,” Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference Jan. 7 after it became clear the bill would not be called for a vote in the House. “This is a demonstration, from my perspective, of the power of special interests and the money that they spread around to thwart health and safety of the public.”

But the bill also created rifts within the House Democratic caucus. According to several sources, the hemp regulation bill was the focus of a threehour closed-door caucus meeting Monday that some House members described afterwards as “spirited” but others described as “raucous.”

Pritzker also called Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s decision not to call the bill “irresponsible,” saying he believed it would have passed with a bipartisan majority had he done so. And he criticized House Democrats for the treatment of members of his staff who appeared at a Jan. 6 caucus meeting.

But Welch’s spokesperson noted that he is a cosponsor of the bill and would continue working to pass it in the new legislative session that began Jan. 8.

“A lengthy caucus discussion found that the bill in its current form did not have enough support within the House Democratic Caucus,” the spokesperson said. “He is committed to continuing discussions so that when the bill ultimately passes, it is the best possible piece of legislation for the state of Illinois.”

‘Intoxicating’ hemp

The bill targeted a new category of products that have so far been able to bypass the regulatory framework Illinois set up when it legalized industrial

hemp in 2018 and recreational marijuana the following year. The two crops are closely related biologically. Both are classified as a form of cannabis but the major distinction between them is the amount of the intoxicating chemical THC they contain.

Hemp is defined as having a THC content not more than 0.3% by weight. It is primarily used to make a variety of consumer products, such as CBD oils, that are thought to have health benefits. The plant can also be used to make a variety of industrial products such as textile fabrics and building materials.

Both the hemp and marijuana industries are heavily regulated by the state, from the planting and growing of the crops to the transportation and processing of plants into various products. In addition, marijuana and related cannabis products can only be sold through licensed dispensaries.

In recent years, however, a new category of intoxicating products has emerged in what some people call a “gray market” that lies just outside the existing regulatory framework. Those products are made using THC that is extracted or synthesized from hemp plants and are often sold in gas stations and convenience stores, sometimes in packaging that closely resembles candy, snacks or other products commonly sold to children.

“And I talked to a mother of a daughter who took one of these packages, didn’t understand how intoxicating the package was, and ended up passed out, ended up in the hospital, has been in and out of the hospital now for eight months as a result of just this product that looked, in all respects, as if it were candy,” Pritzker said.

House Bill 4293, known as the Hemp Consumer Products Act, would have closed the existing loophole by defining any product meant for human or animal consumption with a THC content greater than that of consumer CBD products as “cannabis.” It would have

done so regardless of where the THC came from or how it was derived, and it would have subjected those products to all the regulations that apply to the cannabis industry.

That bill passed the Senate during the regular 2024 session in May by a vote of 54-1. But the House did not consider the bill during the final days of the spring session, nor did the bill come up for a vote during the fall veto session in November.

Industry concerns

In December, Pritzker held a news conference and issued a news release announcing his support for the bill while urging lawmakers to pass it during the upcoming lame duck session in January.

But the bill ran into stiff opposition from some hemp-related businesses argued the bill would cast too wide of a net over the industry, putting small, independent businesses and farms at risk while cutting off consumers’ access to health products like CBD oil.

“This bill, as currently written, would wipe out thousands of jobs and criminalize CBD products to the benefit of billion-dollar cannabis corporations,” the lobby group Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association said in a statement Jan. 5.

But other industry advocates disagreed, arguing the new regulations were needed to close a regulatory loophole in Illinois law that allows certain businesses to sell products that are essentially cannabis, without going through the state’s cannabis regulatory process.

“What these guys are trying to do is that they’re trying to cement themselves in a separate category that allows them to sell the exact same product at a whole different rate because they don’t have to follow any of the regulations,” Ted Parks, a licensed cannabis transporter and executive director of the

Illinois Third Party Carriers Association, told Capitol News Illinois in an interview.

Democratic rift

Speaking to reporters Jan. 7, Pritzker openly complained that officials from state agencies that would be involved in the regulatory process were verbally abused by Democratic lawmakers, and he specifically blamed Welch for not intervening.

“There was a raucous meeting of the Democratic House caucus, in which there was a lot of yelling at staff by people who were opposed to the bill that the speaker did not intervene about,” Pritzker said. “And you shouldn’t let staff get berated like that. You just shouldn’t.”

A spokesperson for Welch issued a statement later Jan. 7 saying he expects House members to conduct themselves with “proper decorum and respect, especially on conten-

tious topics amidst tight deadlines.”

“Speaker Welch spoke individually with certain members immediately following the discussion, as well as to the entire Caucus today, reiterating these expectations,” the spokesperson said. “It is his understanding that at least one member has reached out to offer an apology to the Governor’s staff, and has also apologized to members of the Democratic Caucus.”

The bill did not come up for a vote Jan. 7, the final day of the lame duck session, due to an unwritten procedural rule in the House commonly known as the “rule of 60,” which says no bill can advance to final action on the House floor unless at least 60 members of the majority caucus have signed on to support it.

Sixty is the minimum number of votes needed to pass legislation in the House. Democrats currently hold 78 of the House’s 118 seats.

“It came up a few votes short,” Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, said in an interview. “We’re in the lame duck (session) and this is a time when there are a lot of things going on, but it’s a measure that we need to address as we go into the 104th General Assembly. I believe this is going to be at the forefront of one of the agenda items.”

Chicago concerns

Some House members speculated that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who was known to oppose the bill, may have been a factor in some Democrats’ refusal to support the bill, but Pritzker said he doubted that was the case.

“My impression is he didn’t have much to do with this,” he said. “There’s a powerful lobby that has been working against this bill for quite some time. This was not an easy bill. If it had been, it would have passed last May.”

From Lena’s Kitchen

As I write this column, they are calling for snow. It will be interesting to see if we get the dusting they are calling for. My Springfield friend had over seven inches dumped on her. I was glad we dodged that bullet. We continue to off winter recipes. Have a great week cooking.

Tuna Melt Dip

This appetizer is a takeoff on the tuna melt sandwich. It is a really economical dip and is easy to make. Use it all year round as a tasty appetizer that is both easy and good.

1 can (8 oz.) tuna in oil, drained

½ C. mayonnaise

2 oz. cream cheese, softened

½ lb. thinly sliced deli cheddar cheese, torn into pieces

½ lb. thinly sliced deli American cheese, torn into pieces

1 T. chopped dill pickles

3 T. finely chopped red onion

3 T. finely chopped flat leaf parsley leaves

4 slices rye bread, toasted and cut into sticks for dipping

Preheat oven to 350. In medium bowl, combine tuna, mayo, cream cheese, half of cheddar and American cheeses, onion, pickles, ½ t. salt and 10 cranks of pepper. Mix gently to combine. Spread mixture evenly into a 1 qt. baking dish which has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake until golden brown, about 18 to 20 minutes. Top with parsley, chopped pickles, and chopped red onion. Dip the rye sticks in the dip.

Holiday Salad

This salad is a great winter salad that was supposed to be for Christmas but think it could be a good January one too. It has greens and crunch and an interesting dressing.

10 C. torn romaine

2 medium red apples, cubed

2 medium pears, cubed

1 C. shredded Swiss cheese

½ C. dried cranberries

5 T. lemon juice

3 T. canola oil

3 T. light corn syrup

1½ t. grated onion

1½ t. Dijon mustard

½ t. salt

½ C. chopped salted cashews

In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, apples, pears, cheese, and cranberries. In a small bowl or Mason jar, whisk lemon juice, oil, corn syrup, onion, mustard, and salt. Pour over romaine mixture to coat. Sprinkle with cashews.

Cheddar Spirals

This easy side is one that kids will love. It is creamy and cheesy. If you want to make it a main meal rather than a side, add little hot dogs or cubed ham.

1 pkg. (16 oz.) spiral pasta

2 C. half-and-half

1 can (condensed cheddar cheese soup

½ C. butter, melted

4 C. shredded cheddar cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain. In a 5 qt. slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, combine the cream, soup, and butter until smooth; stir in the cheese and pasta. Cover and cook on Low for 2½ hours or until cheese is melted.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This soup is rich and creamy. It uses the elements of cordon blue for the main ingredients; however, the cauliflower is pureed by an immersion blender before adding any of the meat and cheese. Enjoy this soup that is good enough for the main meal with a salad and bread.

2 T. butter

2 T. olive oil

1 small head cauliflower, coarsely chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

3 T. flour

2 C. chicken broth

2 C. shredded cooked chicken

2 C. half-and–half

1 C. finely cubed cooked ham

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 t. salt

½ t. pepper

2 C. shredded Swiss cheese

In a large saucepan, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower and onion. Cook and stir until crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until blended; gradually whisk in broth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until cauliflower is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

Puree soup using an immersion blender, or cool soup slightly and puree in batches in a blender; return to pan. Stir in chicken, cream, ham, mustard, salt and pepper. Heat through and stir in cheese until melted.

Church Supper Hot Dish

This hearty casserole has all the elements of a great weeknight dish. You have the starch, vegetables, and meat. Add the chow mien noodles for a little crunch, and you have a great supper.

1 lb. ground beef

2 C. sliced peeled potatoes

2 C. finely chopped celery

¼ C. finely chopped carrots

¼ C. finely chopped green pepper

¼ C. finely chopped onion

2 T. butter

1 C. water

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 can (5 oz.) chow mien noodles, divided

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350. In a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté potatoes, celery, carrots, green pepper, and onion in butter for 5 minutes. Add water; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in soup and cooked beef until blended. In a 2 qt. baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray, sprinkle half of the chow mien noodles. Spoon the meat mixture over the noodles. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and remaining noodles. Bake uncovered 10 minutes or until heated through.

Hot Fudge Cake

This cake is an old recipe that makes up quickly and is just big enough for a dessert that is both rich and a favorite of chocolate lovers. It has no eggs, so those people who have egg allergies will love this.

1 C. flour

¾ C. sugar

6 T. baking cocoa, divided

2 t. baking powder

¼ t. salt

½ C. 2% milk

2 T. canola oil

1 t. vanilla

1 C. packed brown sugar

1¾ C. hot water

Ice cream for topping

Preheat the oven to 350. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, 2 T. cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, oil and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Transfer to an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and remaining coco; sprinkle over batter. Pour hot water over all; do not stir. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.

French Silk Slab Pie

This French Silk pie will feed a large group. Using store bought crusts to make the base and Cool Whip instead of whipping cream cuts down the prep time.

1 box refrigerated Pie Crust with 2 crusts, softened as directed on box

2 boxes (3.4 oz. each) Jell-O chocolate instant pie filling

3 C. milk

1 container (12 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed

2 t. unsweetened baking cocoa

Preheat oven to 450. Remove pie crusts from pouches. On a lightly floured surface, unroll and stack crusts one on top of the other. Roll out to 17 x 12 rectangle, pressing firmly into corners and sides of an ungreased 15 x 10 x 2-inch sheet pan and up sides. Fold extra crust under, even with edges of pan. Using a fork, prick all over bottom and sides. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and completely baked. Cool completely on cooking rack, about 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, beat the Jell-O and milk with a whisk about 2 minutes or until thick.

Let stand 5 minutes. Beat in 1 C. of the Cool Whip until blended. Spread evenly over cooled baked crust. Spread remaining Cool Whip on pudding layer. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until set. Just before serving, sprinkle with cocoa; cover and refrigerated nay remaining pie.

Final Thoughts

This week we are supposed to have some relief from the cold. The yoyo of our weather is hard for those of us with arthritis. Winter activities continue.

Don’t forget to get your pie baking skills honed so you can participate in the Lena Auxiliary Pie Backing contest on Feb. 1. They will also have soup tasting on Sunday. It will be at the American Legion Home in Lena.

The playoffs will be over soon, so we will know who will be playing in the Super Bowl. We will be featuring some party recipes for that weekend. Have a good week cooking winter favorites.

We are searching for recipes for the Super Bowl, so send some favorites our way. We would love to feature some new party recipes as well as some soup recipes. If you find some recipes to share, you can contact us by email or mail at From Lena’s Kitchens, The Shopper’s Guide at Rock Valley Publishing, 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115. Have a great week.

The not so skinny cook

Church news

Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church

All are invited to worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 118 E. Mason St. Lena, IL. Join on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, for Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. This will be the Second Sunday of Epiphany. Holy Communion will be celebrated in worship. This week’s gospel reading is from the Gospel John 2:1-11.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, The Peace Corps Quilting group will meet from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to join and no quilting experience necessary.

All the services will be recorded and be available on church’s Facebook page and website. Please visit our website and (http://goodshepherdlena.org/)and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ GSLCLenaIL) for information.

Please contact the church office at 815-369-5552 with any questions.

St.

John’s Lutheran Church

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pearl City, will celebrate the second Sunday after Epiphany at worship on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 9 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to come play cards and dominoes on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. and to play dominoes on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.

All kids in grades K-5 are welcome to come to St. John’s in Pearl City on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. to be a part of the Kids Klub. Kids Klub is a monthly adventure supported by the Pearl City area churches and offers a safe and supportive environment where children can hear bible stories, do crafts, play games, and enjoy delicious snacks. All children in the Pearl City community are welcome to come. For more information or to register your child, please contact Pastor Roger Bronkema at rbronkema18@gmail. com or call 815-291-6261.

The January Grace Meal will be on Sunday, Jan. 19. Meals can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Reservations are due in the church office by

Thursday, Jan. 16. The menu for the January Grace Meal will be meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, applesauce and a dessert. This meal is possible with a grant from the Pearl City Lions Club and Community donations. If you would like to donate to this ministry, please reach out to the church office. The next Men’s Breakfast will be on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 a.m. at the Beltline Restaurant in Freeport.

The Healthy Wolves group will be packing backpacks on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 3:15 p.m. If you are interested in donating to this ministry, reach out to the church office for more information.

Come join the Pearl City Historical Society for a meeting and presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. in Luther Hall.

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Pearl City is an ELCA parish and is located at 229 First St. in Pearl City. We are handicapped accessible. If you need to contact the pastor or church, you may call 815-443-2215 for information.

Salem United Church of Christ

All are welcome to join for a service led by Pastor Christopher Ham at Salem United Church of Christ, 8491 West Salem Road, Lena, IL, every Sunday at 10 a.m. Sunday School for children five years and older is held during church service, and nursery is available for children under five years.

The Wednesday Breakfast Bunch will be meeting Jan. 15 at 8 a.m. at Amigos, 306 N Galena Ave, Freeport, Illinois. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Crafternoon will be held on Jan. 15 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the lower level of the church. This space is handicap accessible, and all are welcome to join. During this event, we enjoy snacks, crafting and good company. There is plenty of space to spread out a large project, or to work on something small.

For more information on any Salem related items, you can contact 815-369-4511 or ruth.dake@gmail.com.

House Minority Leader to take district-wide tour

After being sworn into office for the 104th General Assembly in the Illinois House of Representatives, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is returning to her 89th district to meet with constituents across northwest Illinois. Her district-wide tour will have multiple stops throughout her district which covers primarily Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties.

On Wednesday, Jan 15 McCombie will visit Pearl City

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

JO DAVIESS COUNTYGALENA, ILLINOIS

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

LYNN M. RANDECKER et al

Defendant 2019 CH 17 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 1:30 PM on February 6, 2025, at the office of Vincent Roth Toepfer & Leinen PC, 11406 U.S. Route 20 W, Galena, IL, 61036, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PARCEL NUMBER

LEGAL NOTICES

Mobile Office Hours at Pearl City Library, 221 S Main St., from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Lena Mobile Office Hours at Lena Library, 300 W Mason St., from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents in 89th District are encouraged to attend any one of the above vents to meet their State Representative, ask questions, and hear legislative updates. With questions about the events, residents can contact Leader McCombie’s office at 815-291-8989.

FOUR (4) IN ‘’COUNCIL RIDGE COUNTRY ESTATES’’ SITUATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION THIRTY-THREE (33) IN TOWNSHIP TWENTY-NINE (29) NORTH, RANGE ONE (1) EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, VINEGAR HILL TOWNSHIP, JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ALL AS SHOWN ON PLAT OF SURVEY OF TERRENCE LEIFKER, ILLINOIS REGISTERED LAND SURVEYOR, RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 9, 1993 IN PLAN HOLD C OF PLATS AT NUMBER 285, AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 227379, PARCEL NUMBER FOUR (4) BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 29 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE FOURTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, VINEGAR HILL TOWNSHIP, JO DAVIESS COUNTY, ILLINOIS, WHICH IS BOUNDED BY A LINE DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTH 1/4 CORNER OF SAID SECTION 33; THENCE S 89 DEG. 10’ 53’’ W, 1966.19 FEET ON THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 33 TO THE SOUTHWEST

CORNER OF ‘’ELMER SOAT’S ADDITION TO VINEGAR HILL TOWNSHIP’’ (RECORDED AS DOC. NUMBER 130579); THENCE N 00 DEG. 58’ 30’’ E, 144.02 FEET (RECORDED 144.22 FEET) TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID ADDITION, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THENCE N 00 DEG. 24’ 00’’ E, 375.18 ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF NORTH COUNCIL HILL ROAD; THENCE N 89 DEG. 00’ 00’’ E, 705.00 FEET; THENCE S00 DEG. 00’ 00’’ W, 254.94 FEET: THENCE S 77 DEG. 00’ 00’’ W, 507.77 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF ‘’ELMER SOAT’S ADDITION TO VINEGAR HILL TOWNSHIP’’; THENCE S 85’04’48’’W, 213.54 FEET ON THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF SAID ADDITION TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINS 5.28 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Commonly known as 6045 N COUNCIL HILL RD, GALENA, IL 61036

Property Index No. 19000-061-54

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1).

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100,

BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-

SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-19-03892

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Case Number: 2019 CH 17 TJSC#: 44-2874

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2019 CH 17 I3258409 (Published in The Scoop Today Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2025) 466453

LIEN SALE

The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart Asset Management, LLL as Agent for Owner #4409, 555 W. South Street, Freeport, Illinois 61032 to satisfy a lien on January 23, 2025 at approx. 1:00 PM at www.storagetreasures.com

Cube 1078 Cami McElroy; Cube 1100 Keeona Newton; Cube 1166 Anthony Quarker; Cube 1211 Jasmine Garcia; Cube 1297 Sherman Dean; Cube 1393 Christopher Mitchell (Published in The Shopper’s Guide Jan. 8 & 15, 2025) 466163

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Rock Valley Publishing is looking for a PartTime Advertising Sales Executive. Approximately 20 hours per week. We publish newspapers, shoppers, and niche publications throughout the stateline. You have the opportunity to sell into all Rock Valley Publishing. L.L.C. publications, making your paycheck much larger!

For immediate consideration send resume/job history to: Vicki Vanderwerff, Director of Advertising Email: vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com Fax: (262) 725-6844

real estate

Other Real Estate

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar/ status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-900-669-9777. The toll-free tele phone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VAN DRIVERS NEEDED.

Must be hard working, reliable and customer service oriented individuals that can provide world-class service experience in a positive and compassionate manner. Drivers must demonstrate a high level of resourcefulness and flexibility. Must be professional with excellent communication skills. Contact ryanshmaltz@gmail.com for more details. 466677

Announcements

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

Agriculture

ROUND ALFALFA & GRASS

Excellent quality round alfalfa & grass hay bales for sale, stored inside,$40 each. 815-291-2382 or 815-291-2381.

Pets

AKC LAB Puppies-$900. 608445-4107 Facebook: Two Rivers Retrievers Kennel. Amazing hunting and house dogs with strong pedigrees.

New General Assembly sworn in as House, Senate take different tones

A new Illinois General Assembly was sworn in for the next two years last week, with the House and Senate ceremonies taking two starkly different tones.

The House inauguration ceremony, conducted in an auditorium on the University of Illinois Springfield campus, was at times boisterous, featuring speeches that were more politically divisive and sometimes led to jeering.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, who was reelected to his third term leading the chamber, tried to strike a chord of unity as he exhorted his colleagues to work together to meet the challenges of what he called a unique moment in history.

“The urgency of this moment shows that unity is our power,” he said. “Members of the 104th General Assembly, let’s rise to meet this moment together. Let’s use this time and all that has been given to us to do the work and move Illinois forward. Winners do the work.”

But there was less talk about unity and cooperation from Republicans who spoke at the ceremony.

Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, spoke to nominate Republican Tony McCombie as speaker. He said he agreed that cooperation and compromise are needed to solve the state’s problems. But he also criticized “people on both ends of the political spectrum” for pushing “ideas on which there is nothing resembling a social consensus.”

“What results are laws that offend the heart-felt beliefs of people whose voices are not being heard and toothless resolutions that call for us to separate this state from a world class city that’s being driven into the ground,” Reick said.

• News

Meanwhile, McCombie, of Savanna, who was reelected to her second term as minority leader, used her speech to vent some of the frustration she and other Republicans have felt at being locked out of negotiations with majority party Democrats on major legislative issues.

“I, like many, were disappointed with our election outcomes and the ability for us to secure more Republican seats to bring some balance to the General Assembly,” she said. “However, this was not due to a lack of good candidates or hard work, but due to special interest in Illinois’ gerrymandered maps, the most outrageous maps in the nation.”

Senate inauguration

Senators from across Illinois were sworn in Jan. 8 in the newly renovated Senate chamber. The room had been closed for 2 ½ years while the Senate conducted business in a modified auditorium in a separate building on the capitol complex.

Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and Sen. John Curran, R-Downers Grove, were reelected by their colleagues to their positions of Senate president and Senate minority leader, respectively.

The mood in the chamber, where bipartisan engagement has been more common in recent years, was far more reserved than in the House.

“While they may not always see eye-to-eye, they share a mutual respect for each other, our caucus and the constituents that allow them to work together for the good of Illinois,” Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said of the two leaders in her nominating speech for Curran. “This calm dialogue may not be the exciting drama that you see in D.C.”

Harmon is beginning his

(Continued from page 4)

mounds located at the site were built by the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk, Ioway, Otoe-Missouria, and other indigenous peoples. The property is also home to a pristine hardwood forest that boasts an impressive array of native wildflowers and provides habitat for migratory songbirds along the Mississippi River corridor. The property is a rare example of where both high-quality natural resources and intact Indigenous cultural resources coincide.

The property sits above a ‘lost lake’, Sunfish Lake (also known as Doty Lake or Dyson’s Lake), a 1500-acre natural lake that once butted up against this preserve’s western boundary. Indigenous peoples and early Euro-American settlers looking down from the bluff’s edge would have

fourth term as the chamber’s leader after being elected by his caucus in January 2020 and serving in the Senate since 2003. His 2020 opponent in that contest, Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, gave the nominating speech for Harmon, saying the suburban Democrat has proven to be an effective leader.

“In an era of deeply political division, Don stands apart through his remarkable ability to unite people,” Lightford said.

Harmon’s acceptance speech had one overarching message: be kind. He asked senators to work across the aisle, including on behalf of their constituents who didn’t vote for them.

“Remember that your neighbors in this chamber are some of the only people in Illinois who can relate to what you’re going through,” Harmon said. “The Senate is an active laboratory for coalition-building. Forge those bonds and look out for one another.”

The messages from Harmon and Curran stood out in a week when the House has grabbed headlines for a caucus meeting that left a governor’s office staffer in tears while three of Welch’s senior staff members announced plans to resign.

Curran is beginning his second term as Senate minority leader after being elected by his caucus in 2023. A former Cook County prosecutor, Curran was elected to the Senate in 2016.

“It’s easy to insulate ourselves with people who look, live and think like us,” Curran said. “But if American democracy has taught us anything, it is that real progress comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and building a coalition of different view-

points to craft policy for the greater good.”

Of the 59 Illinois senators, three sworn in Jan. 8 were non-incumbents: Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, Liandro Arellano, R-Dixon, and Chris Balkema, R-Channahon.

Pritzker on upcoming challenges

The 104th General Assembly has a lengthy to-do list, ranging from eliminating a projected $3.2 billion budget deficit to reforming transit in the Chicago area.

In a news conference following inauguration, Gov. JB Pritzker spoke about the budget challenges he faces this spring ahead of his late February budget address.

“When we talk about priorities, prioritizing the fiscal health of the state has been, you know, among the most important things that I’ve, I think, achieved and will continue to prioritize,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker also faces a reemerging challenge from his first term as governor: a Donald Trump presidency.

Pritzker said he has general concerns about Trump’s plans, particularly as they pertain to health care. But he is taking a wait-and-see approach before deciding specific actions to counter the Trump administration’s initiatives.

He noted Trump is often “unpredictable.”

“There’s not a specific thing that I can point to though because he hasn’t taken office yet,” Pritzker said, adding he’d remain “on guard” for what actions may be needed in the future.

Capitol renovations

Last week’s inauguration also served as the reopening of the Illinois Senate chamber following renovations to

the space that began over two years ago.

The north wing of the Illinois Capitol remains in the middle of an expansive $350 million renovation that began in 2022.

Much of the project on the interior of the Capitol is designed to restore the building to how it looked centuries ago. The building was constructed in the late 1800s in the decades after the Civil War and has undergone numerous renovations that have changed its appearance and layout.

In the Senate specifically, construction included re-

storing the room’s original laylight and making safety upgrades. The stained glass laylight is designed to resemble the chamber’ original look before it was damaged by fire decades ago. Renovations also added more stalls to the women’s restroom to make it comparable to the men’s bathroom.

The project is also aimed at modernizing the capitol complex and includes construction of a new public entrance and visitor center on the north wing. The addition is also designed to improve security at the complex and funnel visitors in through a single space.

REAL ESTATE NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT JO DAVIESS COUNTYGALENA, ILLINOIS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

LYNN M. RANDECKER et al

Defendant 2019 CH 17 NOTICE OF SALE

Property Index No. 19-000-06154

ments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

seen a vast wetland complex of lake, marshes, sedge meadows, and wet prairies that were home to dozens of fish, turtle, frog, and wading bird species. Although the lake was drained by the county in the 1870s, swans, cranes, and other birds can still be found wading through the snowmelt in the ancient lake bed during the spring migration, searching for leftover corn from the fall harvest. Not only is this preserve the first one to be co-owned by JDCF, it’s also the first time JDCF has protected land outside of Jo Daviess County. “Since we started this project, several people have asked, ‘Does this acquisition mean JDCF has to change its name?’” said JDCF Executive Director Steve Barg. “The answer to that question

is definitely no.” Although this is JDCF’s first land preservation project located outside of the county, JDCF’s other two programs, education and land stewardship, have been operating through the greater region for a dozen years or more. “If we were going to protect land outside of our core area, we were going to need a really compelling reason to do so,” added Barg. “Anyone who experiences Thomson Bluffs will immediately understand why it needed to be protected.” Stay tuned for opportunities to visit this special place in 2025.

JDCF announces Open

Hike Night at Casper Bluff & Casper Creek

JDCF’s annual Open Hike Night at Casper Bluff Land

and Water Reserve will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join us to experience the preserve and the adjacent Casper Creek Natural Cemetery after dark. Luminarias will light the trails leading to the Thunderbird effigy mound, the Galena Rotary Pavilion, and through the natural cemetery. There will also be several communal bonfires burning to keep you warm. RSVPs are not needed, and you are free to arrive and depart at any time during the event. There is no fee to attend but donations are gladly accepted. Celebrate the start of a new year by getting outside and enjoying the magical Casper Bluff located at 870 S Pilot Knob Rd, Galena, IL. Snow date will be Jan. 25 at the same time. Check www.jdcf.org for updates.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assess-

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-19-03892

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Case Number: 2019 CH 17 TJSC#: 44-2874

(Published in The Scoop Today Jan. 8, 15 & 22, 2025) 466454

seasonal respiratory illnesses,

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is currently surging and straining children’s hospitals in the United States. In fact, all respiratory illnesses, including RSV, the common cold, flu, pneumonia and CoVId 19 are elevated and continue to rise across the country. It is important to protect yourself, your family and your community from these diseases and their associated complications.

While many of you know that we need to practice good hygiene to avoid getting sick, some of you may not be aware that includes dental hygiene. All of these viruses can live in saliva and mucus. In addition, the chronic inflammation associated

By Dr. Stephen petraS

with periodontal disease can reduce the body’s ability to resist infection. Taking care of your oral health is just as important as frequent hand washing, getting your flu vaccination and covering your face when coughing or sneezing.

When you cannot breathe through your nose, you have to breathe through your mouth, which can cause you to experience dry mouth. The decongestants and antihistamines that you may take to clear your

nasal congestion can further dry out your mouth. A dry mouth makes you more prone to decay and gum disease. When you are sick, it is crucial that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Water helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illness. Water is necessary to both flush bacteria and viruses into your stomach and to produce the acids that will neutralize them once they reach there. dehydration thickens lymphatic fluids which makes it harder for them to flush out pathogens. Your body also needs water to absorb certain nutrients in your food and replace what you sweat out during fevers. A cool-mist humidifier can

help relieve congestion and coughing caused by dry air. Saline nose drops or sprays can also help to keep nasal passages moist. Keeping your house warm but not overheated as the relative humidity will decrease as the temperature rises.

While sports drinks may be recommended to replace electrolytes, drink them in moderation and only until you are recovered as they often contain high levels of sugar. If you decide to have a warm beverage to sooth a sore throat, avoid adding sugar, honey and lemon. When it comes to cough drops or throat lozenges, choose sugar free, otherwise your teeth are being steeped in sugar as long as it’s in your mouth.

The flu is often

accompanied by vomiting. When you vomit stomach acids coat the oral cavity. Resist the temptation to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting as this acid weakens the enamel. Instead, swish water in your mouth and spit. Waiting for about thirty minutes before you brush allows your saliva to neutralize these acids. The flu virus can live up to 24 hours on a solid surface and 72 hours on a moist surface. Toothbrushes can also play host to bacteria. Keep yourself and your family safe by rinsing off your toothbrush with hot water every time you brush. It is important to allow your toothbrush to air dry in an upright position. do not store it in

a medicine cabinet or in a case that encloses the head, as this will not allow it to air dry. do not store family toothbrushes together where they can touch and contaminate each other. do not store toothbrushes next to the toilet. Never share a toothbrush. do change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed. A worn toothbrush does not clean effectively. Frayed or bent bristles can cause lacerations and subsequent infections. To avoid reinfection, discard your toothbrush after bacterial infections (strep, etc.) If you or your child has a weakened immune system, discard your toothbrush after any viral infection as well.